March 4, 2025
2024 BC Building Code Update: Braced Wall Panel Requirements
Attention Builders in Williams Lake, BC
Effective March 10, 2025, all building permit applications in our area must comply with the new braced wall panel requirements outlined in the 2024 BC Building Code (BCBC). These changes are designed to enhance the seismic resilience of wood-frame construction.
What Are Braced Wall Panels?
Braced wall panels are structural elements within a building that resist lateral forces from wind and seismic activity. These panels are located within Braced Wall Bands, which are imaginary continuous bands extending horizontally and vertically around the perimeter and sometimes through a building.
Methods to Determine Required Braced Wall Panel Lengths
Builders have three options to determine the required braced wall panel lengths:
- Simplified Approach (9.23.13.11 BCBC) – Uses basic tables to determine minimum panel lengths. Suitable for low-seismic areas but may result in longer panel requirements.
- Calculation Approach (9.23.13.4–9.23.13.10 BCBC) – Uses a detailed formula based on site-specific conditions. More precise and can reduce the required panel length.
- Structural Design Approach (Part 4 BCBC) – A Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designs the structure, offering greater flexibility but requiring additional costs for engineering services.
How to Ensure Compliance
To avoid delays in your building permit application, ensure that you:
- Include a lateral bracing plan in your drawings, showing:
- Braced Wall Band locations for each floor
- Required Braced Wall Panel lengths within each band
- Construction details of each panel (sheathing, fasteners, etc.)
- Hire a Braced Wall Band Designer (if needed) to assist in compliance.
- Work with a P.Eng. if you choose the structural design approach for greater design flexibility.
More Information & Training
Various industry organizations, including BOABC, CHBA, and BC Housing, are developing additional resources and training materials.
View the Full 2024 BC Building Code Online:
For further questions, contact your local Building Official.
To stay up to date, subscribe to our Builders Bulletin at cariboord.ca/builders-bulletin/.
PDF Version: 2024 BC Building Code Update: Braced Wall Panel Requirements
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| Previous Bulletins |
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2024-02-12: 2024 BC Building Code Changes 2024-01-25: 2024-01-25: Energy Efficiency Consultations
2023-06-06: Yurts 2023-05-08: BC Building Code update for cleaner, more energy efficient buildings 2023-04-14: BC Energy Step Code
2022-12-05: Space Heater Shielding and Clearances 2022-11-08: Clearances from Gas, Propane and Electric Cooktops 2022-09-08: Building Inspection Services Areas in the CRD 2022-04-11: Step Code Webinar
2021-06-07: Secondary Suites 2021-05-20: Notice on Title Information Sheet 2021-05-10: Changes to Fee Schedule 2021-02-18: Buildings Without Final Inspections or Building Permit 2021-01-27: Contaminated Site Identification changes coming February 1, 2021 |